WASHINGTON ( August 31, 2001) -The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) commends Alabama Governor Don Siegelman for his support of The HSUS' and others efforts to re-open an egregious animal cruelty case in Winston County where a puppy was shot and burned alive last year.

In September 2000, Delmar resident William Robinson was arrested after he allegedly shot his puppy then, while the puppy was still alive, doused him with gasoline and set the puppy on fire in front of his small children and several witnesses. Despite testimony by seven witnesses to a grand jury, the jury failed to issue an indictment in the case.

Despite national public outcry about the case, along with pleas from The HSUS and other animal protection groups, Attorney General Bill Pryor has refused to re-open the investigation. Even celebrity comedian Elayne Boosler has joined efforts to encourage pursuit of this case. Attorney General Pryor has said that he would consider re-examining the case if new evidence is presented. The HSUS is offering a $5,000 reward for new information that helps to uncover evidence that was not presented at the original grand jury.Anyone with new information is asked to call the office of Attorney General Pryor at 334-242-7300. Ask for the Executive Division.

Earlier this month, The HSUS sent a letter to Governor Siegelman asking him to weigh in with support for the efforts to revive the investigation. Today, the Governor responded, stating full support for The HSUS efforts. "The circumstances of this incident are horrendous, and I believe that the case is simply too important to fail to pursue further," the letter states. "For this reason, I have asked Winston County District Attorney John Bostick to review the case and explore every possible legal means of successful prosecution."

"The Humane Society of the United States is thrilled to have the support of Governor Siegelman on this issue," said Ann Chynoweth, HSUS Counsel to Investigative Services. "We are encouraged that with Governor Siegelman's and District Attorney Bostick's help, the Delmar case will be re-opened and that justice will be served for a crime that demonstrates the truly heinous depths of animal cruelty," she said.

In addition, The HSUS is offering its full support to District Attorney Bostick, with any legal and investigative assistance in the case.

The burning and killing of the puppy in Delmar occurred one month after a new felony animal cruelty law went into effect in Alabama. The law increased the penalties for animal cruelty from a misdemeanor to felony status. The law strengthens the penalty for intentionally torturing a dog or cat to a Class C Felony, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

In his letter to Winston County District Attorney John Bostick, Governor Siegelman emphasizes the importance of the Delmar case. "In view of the facts of this case and recent changes in Alabama for the penalties for animal cruelty, I ask that you closely review this matter," the letter states. "This case is simply too important not to pursue further, and I trust that you will explore every possible avenue in the pursuit of justice."

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with more than seven million constituents, including 61,000 in Alabama.